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Economics

Curriculum Leader:R. Rhodes

Studying Economics will develop students’ ability to analyse problems and evaluate solutions. These skills are readily transferable to other subject areas and job roles and as such are highly regarded by universities and employers. Economics gives students the knowledge and understanding to form and justify opinions on current affairs from smoking/alcohol laws, to the treatment of the unemployed and austerity. Through studying theory which relates directly to everyday life, students develop a better understanding of the world around them.

COURSE CONTENT

The course covers micro economics including (but not restricted to): supply and demand, consumer behaviour, market behaviours, labour markets and the distribution of wealth. It also examines macroeconomics such as: exchange rates, unemployment, inflation and fiscal policy. In short, the subject covers aspects of commerce and finance on every level.

ASSESSMENT

The course follows the AQA specification and is taught over 2 years. Assessment is all external and consists of 3 equally weighted exams. Each exam lasts 2 hours in total and carries a maximum mark of 80.

WHY STUDY Economics?

Economics gives students the knowledge and understanding to form and justify opinions on current affairs, including topics such as smoking and alcohol laws, congestion, the NHS, deforestation, the treatment of the unemployed, the UK’s relationship with the EU, the Credit Crunch and austerity to name but a few. Economics will develop students’ ability to analyse problems and evaluate solutions. These skills are readily transferable to other subject areas and job roles.

Financial Information

Students will be required to invest in a course text book and memory stick to use for the duration of the course. Students can also participate in the faculty international visit to Disneyland Paris.

The Academy will not charge for books, materials, equipment and instruction in connection with the National Curriculum or Statutory Religious Education taught at school, except where parents have indicated in advance their wish to purchase the product.

Exam Charging Policy:

– Students with less than 85% attendance may, under the discretion of the Sixth Form Office, be asked to pay for their exam entry.

– Exam resits that are made at the request of the post 16 students will be charged at full price.

– When it is not possible to obtain a refund, full price will be charged to students for:

– the Summer Exam entry, if they withdraw from the subject after 20 April. – non-attendance at an exam without good reason.

– BTEC students, who leave the Academy prior to the conclusion of the course, will be charged £50.

Future Opportunities

Due to the broad range of topics covered and the transferrable skills learned through studying Economics, careers and progression are diverse.

An Economics A-Level can be an excellent stepping stone to almost any degree. Depending on the combination of A-Levels studied, Economics could lead to a degree in any of the following fields:

– Law– Business– Social Sciences– Maths– Physics

Career opportunities would largely depend on a degree however, those studying a degree with an element of Economics typically progress to careers including:

Studying Economics will develop students’ ability to analyse problems and evaluate solutions. These skills are readily transferable to other subject areas and job roles and as such are highly regarded by universities and employers. Economics gives students the knowledge and understanding to form and justify opinions on current affairs from smoking/alcohol laws, to the treatment of the unemployed and austerity. Through studying theory which relates directly to everyday life, students develop a better understanding of the world around them.

The teaching is by well qualified specialist staff and includes formal lessons, computer-assisted learning, discussions, independent learning, tutorials and visits. The course is focused on what is happening in Britain today and involves an examination of topical issues. All students are provided with a specially written AS/A2 Level textbook. There are opportunities for regular individual tutorials. Homework will be varied and will include background reading, research, short-answer exercises and essays.